Had Laurie Stretched the truth when writing about the south of Spain? Find out on this 2 part podcast.

Laurie Lee is often cited - amongst English Speakers moving to Spain - as one of the few writers on the country that have managed to portray the Real Spain - Lee’s travel stories having inspired and often ignited a passion for Iberia previously unknown amongst Anglosaxons. Yet any cursory inspection into Lee’s autobigraphical travels reveal inconsistencies, inaccuracies and outright inventions.

At some point, those of us still treasuring our battered copies of "When I Walked Out One Mid-summer Morning" - must ask ourselves - What if Laurie Lied?

A thought-provoking question. And one that perhaps begs others? Did he 'lie' when he wrote Cider with Rosie? Even, perhaps did Dylan Thomas 'lie' when he wrote Under Milk Wood or did they both (being poets) throw a bright spotlight on an underlying truth? I know there are Llaregubs in every part of Wales but only because of Under Milk Wood. Also, although these works are published for us they are written for the writer himself, as are all worthy works of art (are they not?). I like your audio but have yet to hear the second part - something to look forward to this bright morning while I walk out.